In the bedchamber, inspired by Landen, the Elf Knight Yavenni had finally made up her mind. She would get her uncles to stretch their legs and serve as firefighting captains for the various Elf clans.
Just as she was about to leave in high spirits, Landen called her back. "During the Breyak Campaign, the Sea Beastmen clearly gained some tactical advantages, yet they were met with a massive assault by the Merfolk. Do you know why?"
"Hmm..." Yavenni looked at Landen, waiting for him to explain.
"Because the balance on the battlefield had been disrupted. The Merfolk were desperate to launch an even stronger attack to restore the previous balance."
Landen's answer surprised Yavenni. In her view, although Landen was a Knight with years of battlefield experience, his expertise lay more in managing territory. He rarely offered opinions on tactics, campaigns, or strategy.
"The Merfolk outclass the Sea Beastmen in population, magical heritage, and Magic Potion supplies," Yavenni said, taking Landen's assessment of the situation seriously. "But I've heard that the Sea Beastmen in the north have been winning lately. Surely those tactical victories can be turned into a strategic advantage?"
"Not likely." Landen shook his head. "As you said, strategy is a contest of population, supplies, and advancement heritage. To truly gain a strategic advantage, they can only do so through strategic planning: finding room to survive and strategic allies, while developing new equipment and tactics.
"Finally, they need an excellent campaign commander who can achieve strategic goals while making the most of their tactical advantages."
"What you're saying sounds a lot like the courses at the Imperial Capital Knights' Command Academy," Yavenni said quietly.
"That's right. These theories aren't empty abstractions; they come from real wars." Landen smiled. "What I'm saying is that some Elf clans are facing